Hints of an immaculate kitchen loom in the distance. To the right I see an arched entrance into a giant living room that must overlook the pool area where we’re working. Is that a grand piano? I wonder if she plays. Weird thought, Ashton.
“You didn’t text me.”
My gaze snaps back to her in surprise. “Pardon?”
“My number. I left it but you didn’t message me.”
I swallow, staring at her in stunned silence. Her pretty eyes slant in appraisal as she waits for my response.
Wait, she’s serious?
“Oh. Um… I mean, I didn’t get off work until after eleven. Then I was up at the crack of dawn today to… come here… obviously.”
“Are you ever not working?”
“Not really,” I say with a half-smile.
“You should have texted me, Ashton.”
I glance at her sharply, letting out a breath when she smiles. Okay, she’s joking and not actually upset. “Yeah? Why’s that?”
“Because I didn’t sleep at all last night.”
“No?”
My pulse picks up when she locks her gaze on mine. There’s another message there. She loves doing that, doesn’t she? Speaking without words. Searching for the same secrets in others.
Or is it just my secrets that interest her?
“No, I didn’t. I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was.”
“You did. I got your note.” And your money. I wish I didn’t need it so damn much or I’d give it back.
“You deserved way more than a note. A text would have been much better.”
“What would a text have added?” I ask, amused.
“I don’t know.” Her right eye squints as she thinks. “An emoji?”
I laugh and settle back on my feet. “Right. Well, thanks for what you said—and the money—but you didn’t have to do that. It’s part of the job.”
“That doesn’t make it right.”
I shrug and study the tile floor, suddenly very aware of how much I don’t belong here. In this place. In this moment.
With this person from a completely different universe.
“I… should probably get back,” I say, jutting my thumb behind me toward the door.
She actually looks disappointed before she replaces it with curiosity. “Hey, can I ask you something before we part ways forever, Ashton The Server and Shoveler of Shit?”
Her grin breaks when mine does.
“Sure,” I say through a chuckle. “Although, this is probably a two-to-three-week job so I’ll be back Monday. Sorry if that ruins the drama.”
After another quick smile, she averts her gaze and shifts her weight. “If you hadn’t found out I’m… me… would you have texted at some point?”
I study her as she bites her thumbnail, waiting like she’s the vulnerable one in this situation. What is happening right now?
“Can I ask you something?” I tilt my head.
“Sure,” she says quietly.
“Why the hell would you want someone like me to text you?”
She flinches, and there’s that look I hated so much from last night. The pity.
I let out a breath and take a step toward the door. “I should probably just…”
She nods. “Yeah.”
I reach for the handle, my insides a twisted mess as I go to pull it open. My life is hard enough without adding more confusion to it.
“Hey, Ashton?”
I stop but don’t turn around.
“Because I couldn’t imagine walking away from a possible connection with you if there was a chance you felt it too. That’s why I left my number.”
My jaw tightens as I close my eyes and force open the door.
For more on ASHTON MORGAN: Apartment 17B.
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Aly Stiles
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
From the start of my journey, I’ve been blown away by the support from new friends, readers, bloggers, and fellow authors. I can’t possibly see this as my accomplishment, but as an incredible blessing thanks, in large part, to all of you. There are so many people in my heart, and I wish I could list every one of you, even though I know it’s impossible. Please know that I treasure you all and take nothing for granted.
To my amazing husband who is always there to support me. Without you I would not be writing these words.
To Hazel, Lindsey, and Ginger: Your friendship, feedback, and support mean everything. <3
To Jayne: Thank you for your friendship and legal mind.
To Brenna, Donna, and Teri: Thank you for your friendship, feedback, and support.
To Andrew: aka Julian (permanently now, sorry). Thank you for allowing me to use your image.
To Wander: Thank you for another amazing photo.
To Jon: As always thank you for sharing your brain.
To Christine and Jen: Thank you for your friendship, support, and marketing guidance.
To Maria (Steamy Designs): Thank you for designing the perfect cover for Julian and Hadley’s story.
To Denise: Thank you for your support, friendship, and feedback.
To the epic members of ABC (Aly’s Breakfast Club): I can never thank you enough for your encouragement and support. You always bring a smile to my face and remind me why I do this. I love you hard!
To all my readers, I wish I could thank every one of you. Thank you for taking this journey with me and I would love to hear from you!
Table of Contents
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
EPILOGUE
MORE FROM ALY
Excerpt from ASHTON MORGAN: Apartment 17B
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
STAY IN TOUCH
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS